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Civil Engineering

Teknik Sipil

Civil Engineering is a major that covers the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of physical infrastructure such as buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and transportation systems. You will learn to calculate structures, analyze soil, design water systems, and manage large-scale construction projects.

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Level S1 · 4 years
Market demand High, and continuing to rise
Mid salary Rp 15–25 million /mo
01

Big Picture

DATA

Designing and building safe, efficient, and sustainable physical infrastructure — from high-rise buildings, bridges, and toll roads to drainage and transportation systems

Core courses

  • Engineering Mechanics & Structures
  • Soil Mechanics
  • Hydrology & Water Resources
  • Transportation Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Structural Analysis
  • Reinforced Concrete
  • Foundation Engineering
  • Road and Bridge Planning
  • Mapping & Surveying
WHO THIS FITS

A good fit if you enjoy solving technical problems, are interested in buildings and infrastructure, don't mind working either on-site or in an office (design), and want to contribute directly to the physical development of the country

Education levels

how does it differ from other levels?
D3
A D3 in Civil Engineering (3 years) focuses on practical and vocational skills — lots of lab work, ready to work as an associate expert technician on construction sites. An S1 is more theoretical and analytical, emphasizing calculations and design, and awards a Bachelor of Engineering (ST) degree
D4
A D4 Applied Bachelor's (4 years) is similar to an S1 in duration, but its curriculum is 60-70% practical. D4 graduates are ready to work as applied engineers. An S1 is more balanced in theory and practice, and is more suitable if you plan to pursue an S2 or work in positions that require in-depth analysis
S2
An S2 Master of Engineering (2 years) deepens your specialization — you choose one field such as structures, geotechnics, or construction management, and then conduct research and write a thesis. An S1 gives you a general foundation; an S2 is for those who want to become specialists or senior consultants
S3
An S3 Doctorate (3 years) is the highest level — it focuses on original research and a dissertation that develops new knowledge in the field of civil engineering. It is suitable if you want to become a lecturer, researcher, or national/international-level expert

Often confused with…

what's the difference?
vsArsitektur
Architecture focuses on aesthetics, spatial function, and building design from a visual and habitability perspective. Civil Engineering focuses on technical aspects: structural calculations, material strength, and construction feasibility
vsTeknik Lingkungan
Environmental Engineering focuses on clean water treatment systems, wastewater, solid waste, and pollution. Civil Engineering is broader: it covers structures, geotechnics, transportation, and construction management
vsTeknik Geodesi
Geodesy Engineering specializes in mapping, surveying, and measuring the earth's position. Civil Engineering uses geodetic survey results for construction planning
vsPerencanaan Wilayah dan Kota
Urban and Regional Planning focuses on macro-level planning: urban spatial layout, public transportation, and regional policy. Civil Engineering focuses on the technical design of the infrastructure itself

Myth vs Fact

MYTH Civil Engineering is just about learning how to build buildings
FACT Civil Engineering covers many specializations: structures, geotechnics (soil), transportation, hydrology (water), construction management, and even the environment. Buildings are just one aspect
MYTH Civil Engineering graduates always work out in the field
FACT Many graduates work in offices as designers, planners, or consultants. Field work is typically for specific roles like site engineer or project supervisor
MYTH You have to be good at technical drawing
FACT Software like AutoCAD, SAP2000, and ETABS now handle many aspects of drafting and analysis. What's more important is an understanding of mechanics concepts and design logic
MYTH Civil engineers have low salaries
FACT Entry-level salaries do start around Rp 6-8 million, but with 5-10 years of experience and professional certification (such as SKA), salaries can reach Rp 15-35 million per month
02

Toolkit & Prep

GUIDE

Personal hardware & software you need to prepare before classes start — requirements vary by program. Expensive, heavy-duty equipment is usually provided by the campus.

MINIMUM LAPTOP SPEC

Minimum Intel Core i5/Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, discrete GPU (NVIDIA GTX/RTX or AMD Radeon) for 3D rendering and structural analysis. 16GB RAM recommended if you frequently use heavy software like SAP2000, ETABS, or Civil 3D.

ESTIMATED STARTUP BUDGET
Rp 8–15 million

A one-time purchase that lasts through your studies.

Laptop/PC with discrete GPU
To run CAD software and perform structural analysis
Required
AutoCAD (student license)
Core software for 2D/3D technical drawing
Required
SAP2000 or ETABS
Building structural analysis software
Required
Microsoft Excel
For manual calculations, cost estimation, and data analysis
Required
Scientific calculator (Casio fx-991 or equivalent)
For exams and quick calculations in the field
Required
Manual drafting tools (triangular ruler, technical pen, drafting table)
Some campuses still teach manual drafting in early semesters
Optional
Hard hat & safety shoes
Needed for field visits or internships on construction sites
Optional
Laser distance meter (optional)
Helpful during field surveys and mapping practicum
Optional
03

Facility Checklist

GUIDE

Questions specific to Civil Engineering to bring to an open house or campus visit. Important facilities vary by program — these matter most.

Note: Myjor doesn't maintain a facilities database per campus. This is a tool for you to assess it yourself.

Does campus have structures lab (for testing concrete, steel, materials)?
Is there soil mechanics/geotechnical lab with triaxial test or consolidated test equipment?
Is hydraulics lab available for water flow and drainage practicums?
Does campus provide engineering software licenses (AutoCAD, SAP2000, ETABS, Civil 3D) for students?
Is there surveying/mapping lab with total station and geodetic GPS?
Does campus have practice workshop (wood, steel, concrete) for students?
Is there partnership with contractors or consultants for internships/real projects?
Do permanent lecturers hold professional certification (SKA) or practical experience in construction industry?
Does campus regularly host guest lectures from construction industry practitioners?
Is there access to real construction projects for case studies or final projects?

Tip: ask for a tour of the relevant labs/studios, not just the main building. Ask about access hours and whether undergrads can use the equipment.

04

Academic Quality

GUIDE

Three objective ways to assess a program's academic quality — including how to check them yourself.

A

Program accreditation status

Check the program's own accreditation rating (not just the campus's) on official sites. International accreditation is a plus for certain fields.

Unggul / A — top tier Baik Sekali / B Baik / C

Check at: BAN-PT (banpt.or.id) or the relevant LAM, & PDDIKTI (pddikti.kemdikbud.go.id).

B

Student–faculty ratio & how to calculate it

ratio = active students ÷ full-time faculty
Example: 600 students ÷ 25 faculty = 1 : 24
Ideal: ≈1:20 for STEM/science fields, ≈1:30 for social sciences/humanities (per Ministry of Education guidance).
!The smaller the second number, the more attention each student gets. Above 1:40 is worth flagging.
!Also check faculty qualifications (Master's/PhD) and whether there are industry practitioner lecturers.
C

Faculty research — relevant & current?

Look up faculty profiles and publications (Google Scholar / SINTA). For Civil Engineering, look for those researching currently relevant topics:

Finite element analysis of reinforced concrete structuresUse of eco-friendly materials in concrete mixesDesign of suspension or cable-stayed bridgesSlope stability and landslide studies in disaster-prone areasUrban drainage system planning for flood mitigationConstruction project management using CPM/PERT methodsAnalysis of traffic impact on highway performanceEarthquake-resistant structural design for high-rise buildingsUse of industrial waste as replacement aggregate in concreteSoil settlement studies on soft soils

E.g., is there faculty researching AI, or cancer-related topics? Active research topics signal the program keeps up with the field.

ASK AT THE OPEN HOUSE

"What's this program's student–faculty ratio? What research topics are faculty currently working on? What percentage of graduates find field-relevant jobs within 6 months?"

05

Partnerships

GUIDE

Campus partnerships heavily shape internship, research, and career paths. Which partners matter varies by program — here's what's relevant for Civil Engineering.

Construction contractors (state-owned/private)
Ask: is there an internship program for Civil Engineering students? How long is the internship? Are there projects that could serve as case studies for a final assignment?
Planning consultants (structural, geotechnical, transportation)
Ask: does the consultancy accept intern students? Are there opportunities for involvement in real planning projects? Is there a mentorship program with senior engineers?
Ministry of PUPR (Public Works and Public Housing)
Ask: is there a research collaboration or internship program for Civil Engineering students? Are there national infrastructure projects that could serve as study material?
Regional/national Research and Development Agencies (Balitbang)
Ask: are there research collaboration opportunities for students? What research topics are currently a priority? Is there a research assistant program?
Professional associations (HAKI, HISWA, ISGE, ATPI)
Ask: does the association hold open seminars/workshops for students? Are there student certification or membership programs? Are there networking opportunities with practitioners?

Ask for a list of official partners with active MoUs — not just logos in a brochure. Ask how many students are actually placed each year.

06

Career & Salary

DATA
Entry
0–2 years
Rp 6–8 million
per month
Mid
3–6 years
Rp 15–25 million
per month
Senior
7+ years
Rp 25–40 million
per month
Career pathsSalary range /mo
Site Engineer Rp 6–10 million/month
Structural Engineer (consultant) Rp 8–15 million/month
Project Engineer Rp 10–18 million/month
Project Manager Rp 18–35 million/month
Geotechnical Consultant Rp 12–25 million/month
Transportation Consultant Rp 10–20 million/month
Quantity Surveyor Rp 8–15 million/month
Civil Engineering Lecturer Rp 8–20 million/month

Sources: Myjor 2024 industry salary survey (n=4,200), BPS, and job portals. Figures are medians, influenced by city, company, and experience.

Sources & References

The career & salary data above traces back to its sources. Click to expand/collapse the source list.